pseudopod

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a temporary projection of a cell's cytoplasm used for movement, feeding, or engulfing material

   The amoeba extended a pseudopod around the food particle.

2. 2
   noun

   a footlike projection or an extension resembling one

   A dark pseudopod of cloud stretched outward from the main storm front.

Formed from pseudo-, 'false,' + -pod, 'foot,' from Greek pous, podos. The term literally means 'false foot' and was adopted for temporary, footlike cellular projections.

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